Quick Facts on Ignacio

Characteristics of Ignacio

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Etymology & Historical Origin - Ignacio

Ignacio is the Spanish form of the Latin masculine name Ignatius. Both versions find their roots in an Old Roman family name Egnatius believed to be of ancient Etruscan origin. The Etruscan language is now extinct having been replaced by Latin long ago so the name Egnatius has uncertain meaning. However, the name was altered to “Ignatius” in the first few centuries after Christ in order to connect it with the Latin “ignis” meaning “fire” (consider the modern English word “ignite” also borrowed from the Latin “ignis”). The name Ignatius was borne by an important 1st century Christian leader, St. Ignatius of Antioch, who was martyred for his Christian beliefs around 108 A.D. However, most people associate the name with St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), the founder of the Society of Jesus (more commonly known as the Jesuits). The Jesuits are a religious order of priests highly regarded among Catholics for their extensive missionary work and establishment of many colleges and universities since the 16th century. The Spanish call him Ignacio de Loyola but he was actually born Iñigo Loiolakoa (a Basque name). He started using Ignacio as a similar sounding name to mitigate language confusion. His real name (Iñigo) comes from the Basque “eneko” meaning “my little one” (which is quite charming). Ignatius and Ignacio are names used almost exclusively by Roman Catholics. Common nicknames include Iggy and Nacho.

Popularity of the Name Ignacio

Spanish-speaking Americans have kept Ignacio in circulation but Ignatius fell off the boy’s naming charts a long time ago in 1930) Ignacio, however, has remained on the American charts almost without interruption since the turn of the 20th century. Although the name hasn’t managed to achieve anything beyond low moderation in terms of usage, considering it’s almost exclusively given to baby boys of Hispanic descent, we’d say that’s an impressive showing nonetheless. In more recent years Ignacio has fallen farther down the Top 1000 list of American boy names and is now dangerously close to dropping off the charts altogether. We’d be sad to see this one go. Thanks to St. Ignatius of Loyola, Ignacio is still celebrated as an important Catholic name. We love the “fiery” folk etymology of the name but prefer the Basque translation of “my little one”. Either way, Ignacio is a charming name choice. And Nacho has to be our favorite all time nickname EVER.

Popularity of the Boy Name Ignacio

You need Adobe Flash Player 6 (or above) to view the charts. It is a free and lightweight installation from Adobe.com. Please click here to install the same.

Cultural References to the Baby Name - Ignacio

Literary Characters of the Baby Name Ignacio

Ignacio We cannot find any significant literary characters with the first name Ignacio.

Popular Songs on Ignacio

Ignacio - We cannot find any popular or well-known songs featuring the name Ignacio.

Children's Books on the Baby Name Ignacio

Ignacio's Chair (Gloria Evangelista) - Long ago, across seas and centuries...So begins this exquisite children’s tale of Ignacio and the extraordinary chair he lovingly carves. Through the pages of Ignacio’s Chair young readers travel over four hundred years, from mid-15th century to present day, as the beautiful chair passes from monk to king, queen to explorer, pirate to fisherman, slave to soldier, and on. From the English court of Henry the VIII to the Golden Age of Piracy, from the Civil War to the Industrial Revolution, this story is a wonderful weave of history, art, society, and culture. Told by award-winning author Gloria Evangelista and illustrated in vividly imagined full-color drawings by Cathy Morrison, Ignacio’s Chair is an engaging picture book that introduces young readers to how various events and people in history have shaped our world. Recommended for ages 4-8.

Children of Famous People Named Ignacio

Famous People Who Named Their Son Ignacio - We cannot find any celebrities or famous people who have named their child Ignacio.

Ignacio - Boy Baby Name - Historic Figures

Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491 - 1556) - Saint Ignatius of Loyola was the founder of the Catholic order of the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits, the highly acclaimed educators and missionaries in the Church hierarchy. Born to aristocratic lineage in Spain, he had a short career in the military, which serious injury brought to an end. At this time, he had a spiritual renaissance, and engaged in extensive study and meditation while pursuing his path. He encouraged asceticism and self-denial, pledging himself to a strict regimen of prayer, bolstered by the Church ordained virtues of chastity, obedience and poverty. In 1534, Ignatius and six companions formed the order that came to be known as the Jesuits, whose abiding principle was their motto: “For the greater glory of God.” Ignatius died of malaria, and was later beatified and then canonized in the Catholic Church in 1622, allowing him to be revered as a saint. His feast day is July 31st, the day of his death. Today innumerable educational institutions throughout the world bear witness to the nobility of his intentions.

Search Baby Names

Personality of the Boy Name Ignacio

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature. They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.